Rectoprostatic fascia

Rectoprostatic fascia is a part of the human anatomy that is located in the pelvis. It is a layer of fascia, a type of connective tissue, that separates the rectum from the prostate gland in males. The rectoprostatic fascia is also known as the fascia of Denonvilliers, named after the French anatomist Charles-Pierre Denonvilliers who first described it in the 19th century.

Etymology

The term "rectoprostatic fascia" is derived from the Latin words "rectum", which means straight, and "prostata", which means one standing in front. "Fascia" is a Latin word that means band or bandage. The term "Denonvilliers' fascia" is named after Charles-Pierre Denonvilliers, a French anatomist who first described this structure.

Anatomy

The rectoprostatic fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that separates the rectum from the prostate gland in males. It extends from the base of the bladder to the perineal body. The fascia is attached to the posterior surface of the prostate and the anterior wall of the rectum. It plays a crucial role in surgical procedures involving the prostate gland, such as prostatectomy.

Clinical significance

The rectoprostatic fascia is an important anatomical landmark in surgeries involving the prostate gland. It serves as a guide for surgeons to avoid damaging the rectum during a prostatectomy. In addition, the fascia can be involved in the spread of prostate cancer, as cancer cells can invade this layer of tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

Related terms

• Fascia: A band or sheet of connective tissue that supports and separates muscles and other internal organs.
• Rectum: The final section of the large intestine, terminating at the anus.
• Prostate gland: A gland surrounding the neck of the bladder in male mammals and releasing prostatic fluid.

See also

• Anatomy of the human body
• Prostatectomy
• Prostate cancer

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the male pelvis